New Puppy questions..

[cjholm]

Hello all! New to the site. Really like all the info on here. Ok..here is our story. We just lost our 7 year old chocalate, Libby, to lymphoma. The hardest thing ive gone through next to losing my Father. We are in the process of looking at puppies tomorrow. We also have a 5 year old yellow girl named Bailey. The last couple of weeks she has been so depressed and not her self without her bestfriend. Not sure if we want a boy or girl. Since Bailey was raised with a girl should we get another female? Ive been reading its best to get a male. Just looking for some opinions on whats worked for all of you.
Thanks, Chris

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[Tanya]

unless your girl has issues with other females it doesn't matter. lots of families have two females or two males. Better to go with the puppy that has the best "fit" temperament wize.

Are you set on a puppy? you can also consider adopting a dog (of any age) - lots of really really great dogs (labs) in rescues and shelters.

If you go the breeder route please research what to look for in a breeder. BOTH parents of the litter must have all their health clearances (hips, elbows, eye, heart, eic, cmn) and should perform in some venue. There are lots of health issues plaguing our breed, best to put the odds of a healthy puppy on your side by going with a breeder that does things right. There are also too many greats labs in shelters and rescues to be randomly breeding. don't jump on the first available puppy. and best to ask questions before visiting puppies, because once you meet the puppies it will all go flying out the window.

sorry for your loss.

[gregk9]

Sorry for your loss.

Personally I'd go with the pup I liked best and wouldn't worry about the sex.

[Sophiesmama]

I am so sorry for your loss. We lost our 12 yr old last May. We got our puppy Sophie in June. She has helped so much with the grieving process. I think a new puppy will help you too. I don't think the sex of the puppy matters. I would chose for personality. Also, remember... the puppy will be a ball of energy. Baily may not want to be bugged by a pesky puppy 24/7. Also, Bailey has seniority. The puppy should fit with her. I would introduce the new pup at a neutral location, instead of bringing it home to Bailey's domain straight away. Good luck, and enjoy your new addition to the family.

[georgie]

I am sorry for your loss of Libby. We lost of 8 1/2 year old Molly, in May, to lymphoma. It is very hard. We have two females now & we have not have any problems. They are good friends. We did not have any problems with the three females either. Good luck in your search.

[marmstr]

We too lost a youngish lab (Penny) to lymphoma a year ago in Dec. We've always had female dogs so never really considered a male pup...we just have one dog and one cat at a time although DH thinks we should have two dogs...but then he's the first to complain about pet hair!

[BigBrownDog]

With Labs, the same sex/opposite sex is not as much of a consideration as with other breeds. A well tempered Lab is generally so affable that they get along with either.

Second Tanya's recommendation to carefully research the breeder you choose. Checking with your local Labrador club website (google) is a good way to get a starting point. Don't support back yard breeding or pet stores (puppy mills).

[cjholm]

Thank you for all the replies. We found a very great breeder about an hour and a half away with a BEAUTIFUL litter of stocky puppies. Gonna go check them out this morning. We have first snow of the year and new puppy coming home. Very excited!!!!!